Cases of measles are rising, especially in London. Once measles starts spreading in the community, due to the infectiousness of the disease, it is incredibly hard to control, and so early action is essential.

Symptoms of measles include:
- Cold like Symptoms
- Red eyes
- Fever
- A rash that starts behind the ears and spreads

Currently there is no treatment for measles and children can become seriously unwell with it. 1 in 5 children with measles need a hospital visit, and 1 in 15 children develop serious complications such as pneumonia, meningitis, encephalitis and blindness.

The best way to protect your child from measles is to ensure they are up to date with their MMR vaccine. MMR vaccination is free on the NHS with the first dose being offered when a child is one and the second at 3 years and 4 months old. The vaccine is safe and over 20 million cases of measles have been prevented since the start of measles vaccination in the UK.

The evidence is clear that there is no link between the MMR vaccine and autism.

Vaccination is the best way to protect a child from becoming seriously unwell from preventable diseases such as measles.

Please check your child's red book to ensure they are up-to date with vaccination and contact your GP to have any missed doses. For more information visit nhs.uk/mmr